Nature Walk on July 16th

Scouts and their Moms:

On July 16th, Troop 604 will be Nature Walk at the Ventura Harbor Ecological Reserve located at 1400 Angler Court in Ventura.  The gates to the Reserve open at 0900 hours.  There is parking on the street along the Angler court and as well as additional parking in the parking lot adjacent to the entrance of the Reserve (be careful crossing the street).   We will meet at the entrance to the Reserve @ 0900 hours.
The Reserve loops around the freshwater pond, flanked by mature vegetation and is home to over 200 species of bird including herons on the island in the middle of one of the ponds. At the far end, the Reserve meets the beach dunes, with potential views of Anacapa Island. 
The Reserve is a great opportunity for scouts to complete 1st and 2nd Class requirements in preparation for the July 25th Troop meeting.  

• 1st Class:  Nature #5…Identify 10 kinds of native plants…
• 2nd Class:  Nature #4…Identify 10 kinds of wild animals….

We will start our walk around the largest portion of the reserve, which runs around 2 of the 3 ponds and is about (1) one mile in distance. After completing the larger loop, we can walk the smaller loop, which encircles the middle pond adding about a (1/4) quarter of a mile onto our walk.  

In addition to any normal hiking gear and equipment, make sure to bring the following:

• Note Pad & Pen
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Animal / Plant Brochures 

As the Reserve is a very moderate walk, scouts are encouraged to invite their Mothers and any other family members to join them for this activity.  Afterwards, there are several stores and restaurants in the Ventura Harbor to enjoy.